Operations Versus Engineering
Posted on Fri Jun 20th, 2025 @ 6:06pm by Lieutenant JG Zinaren & Lieutenant JG Elen Rell
1,652 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Prologue
Location: USS Guinevere
Timeline: 2387
Elen adjusted the sleeves of her mustard-gold uniform, the warm tones of her crocheted cuffs peeking out as she made her way toward Operations. The steady hum of the warp core still thrummed behind her in Engineering, but here, in the heart of Operations, the air felt different...calmer, sharper, a place where every command and control pulse mattered.
Her PADD was tucked under one arm, filled with schematics and data she’d been poring over for days. She felt that familiar spark...the quiet excitement that came with chasing down a problem and the possibility of solving it.
The focus this time was on the ship’s auxiliary power system, a critical but often overlooked network that fed less prominent, but vital, systems throughout the ship. Elen had noticed subtle inefficiencies in the power modulation flow, especially when several auxiliary systems operated simultaneously during extended missions, which seemed to be a thing that just happened on starships based on the research data she had poured over. It wasn’t a glaring issue, but those small inefficiencies added up...strain on the grid, occasional dips in system responsiveness.
Her plan was to test alternate power modulation frequencies within the auxiliary system. The theory was that by fine-tuning the modulation bands...carefully and within all Federation safety limits of course, or at least careful-adjacent, she could improve overall power flow stability, reducing strain and increasing the reliability of these essential systems.
It was an unusual request, to tweak frequencies in the auxiliary power channels like this. Not something Ops would see every day. But Elen was confident. The potential benefits were clear, and she wanted the go-ahead to run controlled tests during low-traffic operational windows.
Stepping into the bright Operations hub, the glow of consoles and holographic displays surrounded her. Her eyes quickly scanned the room until they settled on an officer she recognized by the distinctive features of their species: a J’naii, with smooth, pale skin and those subtle ridges framing their face.
“Excuse me,” she began, voice steady but warm. “Lieutenant Rell, Engineering.” She still wasn't ready to introduce herself as the Acting Chief Engineer. Holding up her PADD, she continued, “I’m working on enhancing the auxiliary power system’s flow stability. I believe that adjusting the power modulation frequencies within the system could improve efficiency and reduce strain when multiple subsystems are active.” She glanced up, meeting the officer’s steady gaze. “I’d like Ops approval to run a series of tests during scheduled low-activity periods. It’s a bit out of the ordinary, but I think the payoff could be well worth it.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lieutenant Rell,” said the J’naii with an air of detachment. “Zinaren,” they said. “And obviously since we are in the Ops Hub, I work in that department. Your premise sounds interesting, if a bit unorthodox. May I see your data please, Lieutenant Rell?”
Elen caught the faint edge of detachment in Zinaren’s voice...something just shy of a polite 'we’ll see about that.' She blinked, then gave a quick, easy smile, the kind that said, I noticed that, but I’m not going to make a fuss.
“Unorthodox, huh? Yeah, I get that a lot,” she said, tapping her PADD with a spark of amusement. “But hey, starships run on a whole lot of ‘unorthodox’ ideas until someone proves they’re not crazy.” She leaned in just a little, eyes bright with the kind of excitement that came from chasing a good puzzle. “Here’s the data...feel free to poke holes. I’m here to learn, not to preach.”
Her tone was warm but practical, like she was ready to dive straight into the work, not get hung up on first impressions. The rhythm of this kind of back-and-forth was familiar...she’d meet it head-on and keep the momentum going. Besides...she also was aware she was a lot. So, really...maybe it was just how some people reacted to her.
“Hmm,” Zinaren said thoughtfully. They scrolled through the data, reviewing it twice to ensure that they were getting a clear picture of the Lieutenant’s proposal. “I can see the merit of what you are attempting to accomplish.” The J’naii blinked twice rapidly, as if to clear their thoughts. “However, the frequency deviation of 4.4623 gigahertz is far outside of the acceptable range for the auxiliary grid. I’m afraid I cannot approve this.”
Elen tilted her head, a flicker of a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Ah, see, that’s the thing...4.4623 gigahertz is just the magic number the simulations spit out for whatever reason, never know exactly why, not the actual target frequency. In reality, I’d be tweaking around a range well within Starfleet’s safety limits. We’re talking careful, tiny adjustments, not throwing the whole system into a tailspin.” She tapped her PADD again, eyes bright. “Honestly, hitting that exact number would be about as likely as me winning a rigged springball match , which is to say, not happening.”
Zinaren tilted their head to the left slightly, giving the Engineer a rough approximation of a quizzical expression. “I’m certain I don’t need to quote passages from the Starfleet Engineering Manual for Renaissance-II Class Starships. Unless it is an emergency situation, frequency deviation of greater than 0.005 GHz is not allowed without approval of the ship’s Executive Officer or Commanding Officer. So, regardless of how intrigued I am by your data…I simply do not have the authority under regulations to approve this.”
Elen smirked, arms folding loosely across her chest. “Yeah, I hear you loud and clearL rules are rules, and I’m not here to rewrite the Starfleet manual on a whim.” She gave a quick glance, gauging Zinaren’s expression, like she was trying to read if this was about protocol or just a polite way to say don’t bother me today. “But here’s the thing,” she continued, voice dropping just enough to sound a little conspiratorial, “I’m not exactly here to poke the bear without a plan. I want to do this by the book...our book. I’m betting you’re not the ‘say no first, ask questions later’ type. Right? If I’m wrong, hey, tell me now so I don’t waste your time, or mine.”
She tapped the PADD with a quick grin. “Look, I get the red tape. But sometimes those tiny ‘illegal’ tweaks turn out to be the difference between a humming engine and a meltdown. So, how about we draft a test plan that keeps everyone happy, and me out of the brig?” Her gaze locked with Zinaren’s, sharp but open. “Because honestly? If the regs are the fence, I’m just trying to find the gate.”
The J’naii offered their comrade a small smile. The Engineer was offering a proverbial olive branch; and although Zinaren detested the taste and texture of olives, they understood the idiom well enough to know that Rell was attempting a diplomatic solution. “If we are going to draft a plan, we should also do some holodeck simulations to reinforce the merits of the proposal. And after we have those results, we can present them to the Ops Chief. Does that sound reasonable?”
Elen nodded, a grin tugging at her lips. “Holodeck simulations, huh? Fancy. I like it.” She tapped her PADD thoughtfully. “Nothing beats seeing the numbers in action before tossing a plan at the Ops Chief. Sounds like a solid play.” She glanced up with a spark in her eye. “Alright, Zinaren, let’s make some digital magic happen...and hopefully keep the lights on while we’re at it. When are you free next so we can do this?”
“I am off shift at 1800 today,” said Zinaren. “But I am already famished. Maybe we could have a quick bite to eat first…?”
“Food? Yes please!” Elen lit up instantly, her eyes practically sparkling. “How about nachos? Do you like nachos? Have you had nachos? Because if not, that’s a tragic oversight I feel morally obliged to correct immediately…”
“We had nothing like nachos on J’naxas,” said Zinaren, gazing off into the distance as if reflecting upon something profound. “It might not surprise you to find this out, but most of my people’s culinary creations are quite…bland. Having nachos for the first time was like waking up my taste buds for the first time. Just don’t be stingy with the jalapeños.” Shit, they thought. Now I’m really hungry. “See you at 1800 in the Mess Hall.”
Elen brightened at both the mention of food and the fact that Zinaren seemed into the idea: the cooperation, the possibility. “Perfect. Food first, brains second. I approve of your priorities,” she said, tucking the PADD neatly under one arm...before immediately shifting to hold it again, gesturing with it as she spoke. “We’ll eat, talk it through casually, and then hit the holodeck with something more concrete. I’ve got a baseline test profile ready, it's nothing flashy, just standard load balancing with a few variable overlays. Once we’ve got that behaving, we can try nudging the modulation curve and see if she purrs or protests.”
Then, after a pause, her excitement slipping through despite the obvious effort to dial back the bounce: “Also, I’m irrationally pleased you like jalapeños. I feel like that bodes well for our working relationship.” She gave a small, decisive nod...half farewell, half team-forming confirmation. “1800, mess hall. Nachos and modelling. See you there.”
- - - - - - - - - -
Lieutenant JG Zinaren
Operations Officer
USS Guinevere
Lieutenant JG Elen Rell
Acting Chief Engineer
USS Guinevere
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